Humanitarian workers honoured in Nairobi, Kenya as World Humanitarian Day is commemorated
 Nairobi, 19 August 2010( UN Information Centre)- The United Nations System in Kenya commemorated World Humanitarian Day under the theme “We are Humanitarian Workers: This is why we are committed”.
The ceremony was attended by a cross section of about 500 guests from the Kenyan government, the diplomatic corps, non-governmental organizations and staff from the UN.
Mr. Mark Bowden, UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia paid special tribute to the Somali humanitarian aid workers who he called heroes for dedicating their lives in serving the millions of Somali people affected by both conflict and natural disasters.
“Over the past year, working in the humanitarian field in Somalia has become ever more challenging. The ability to access populations in need is shrinking, particularly in south central regions where several aid agency offices are being occupied, aid workers harassed and operations halting as a result”, Mr. Bowden elaborated.
In a poem entitled “We are Called to Serve” written by Christopher Sakwa of the Kenya Boys Choir, an intern at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nairobi, Mary-Sanyu Osire narrated the selfless nature and commitment of all humanitarian workers.
“We desire to put a smile on the face of every child, To save them from the fangs of the wild. We desire to change the lives of many. To touch the hearts of the needy. We are humanitarian workers and this is why we are committed”, Ms Osire recited.
The World Humanitarian Day is a day that UN agencies and their partners renew their commitment to life-saving relief efforts and to remember those who have died while serving this noble cause.
For more information click:
www.worldhumanitarianday.info
See Op-Eds for the World Humanitarian Day 2010 from:
1.Mr.Aenas Chuma, UN Resident and Humanitarian Co-ordinator,UNDP Kenya
2. Under-Secretary General Mr. John Holmes
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